With the fact that the entire world can have voice through modern technology, comes the fact that many of the voices are not saying anything new. In fact, even before modern technology, Solomon noted that there was "nothing new under the sun". Therefore, my thoughts for this post may not be profound or "new", yet they are what the Lord is showing me through the circumstances He has placed in my life.
When I consider my life, I think "there is nothing extraordinary about it. I am living in a small town, going to a small church, working at a small, family-owned restaurant, and going to grad school online. Actually, my life is rather dull right now, so I will do something of lasting impact when ______." What I have realized is that I am waiting for blessing. Rather, I am waiting to make an impact and serve God until I receive what I perceive to be blessing. In fact, I consider my talents and say "well, it would be awesome to do something with that -- someday". My service to God comes with strings attached and with my self-imposed hindrances. For example: I love to write, and think it would be awesome to do something with it--someday. I think "I can't write for a profession, 'cause it won't pay the bills. But it sure would be fun!" So what do I do after that thought? I put it on the shelf and dust it occasionally, look at it longingly, and put it back. Yet, how could I take this talent and use it to serve? If God does choose to bless me with being a "writer" someday, how can I expect Him to do so while I sat around and did nothing to perfect and mold the skill He has blessed me with?
My mindset has been that I could honor God with better stewardship of my funds when I have a "better job" with more money. I can show hospitality, but only when I have my own home. The list could go on, and here is the form: "When God gives me ___________, I can do ___________."
So what is the solution to my covetous problem? (Because- YES, it is covetous. I want my life to look different and be for a different purpose, and I am going to sit at home and pout about it until God changes it. This is a problem!) The solution is to, first, list my blessings. In what way has God blessed me now? With that list, I can prayerfully ask God how He wants me to serve Him. Like the widow, I can give out of my "poverty" with my money and my talents/abilities. That is the solution for the here and now. But what about future wants? In consideration of ways that I want God to bless me in the future, I must see how He wants me to practice, hone, and develop myself to be ready for the blessing.
The question for me to consider is: Will God give me further blessing when I am not honoring Him with what He has blessed me with now? Like the servants in the Parable of the Talents, will God say to me: "...'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'"? (Matthew 25:21 ESV)
